The following areas are identified on the Proposals Map as Green Buffers:

Uses considered appropriate in green buffers include agricultural and forestry development, formal and informal recreation, footpaths and cycle ways, cemetries, the re-development of suitable brownfield sites, development which relates to an existing use, and the extension or replacement of existing homes. Proposals for strategic infrastructure within green buffers would be supported provided suitable consideration is given to their impact on the surrounding area.

Where development is necessary it will have regard to the local landscape character and be of a design, density and layout which minimises the coalescence and consolidation between built areas and preserves the setting of those areas.

An assessment of the local landscape and physical separation between settlements will be required, demonstrating that the development is to be located on an area which has the least detrimental impact to the character of the countryside and does not reduce the visually sensitive buffer between settlements or groups of houses.

Appropriate landscaping, comprising of local native species, will be required in order to enhance the countryside character of these areas, and encourage biodiversity.

For more information, please visit Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.